For more than nine years, Tracy Dock-Masanz has played an important role in supporting Rise’s accounting and administrative operations. As an Accounting Specialist, she has earned recognition for her professionalism and willingness to take on new challenges. As Tracy begins her retirement journey, we look back on her contributions and celebrate the impact she has made during her time at Rise. 

1) What are you looking forward to about your new time outside of Rise? 

“I look forward to learning and exploring new things, although I am not sure what that will be. At this time, I will probably spend more time with my mother. Also, my son just bought a home that needs some TLC, and I’ll try to help out where I can. I guess what I’m really looking forward to is the unstructured time.” 

2) Why did you initially choose Rise, and what kept you coming to work every day? 

“I chose to come work with Rise when I was initially looking for part-time work.  I was hired for a part-time position, and over the course of time, it grew into a full-time position.  I had always worked in the private sector and was curious about non-profit work.  I thought in my twilight years in my career I could help to make a difference. What kept me coming to work each day is that it wasn’t work for me – I truly enjoyed my job, and if you enjoy your job – it’s not work!” 

3) What are you going to miss about spending time with us every day? 

“Rise has been my family for the last nine years, and I will truly miss them. In true family fashion, they have been there for me. Everyone is so kind and generous.” 

4) What is your best advice to others about working with people who have disabilities? 

“Since COVID and the move from the building in Spring Lake Park, the interactions with the people we serve have been limited, but I truly enjoyed getting to know them.  Each brought such joy with them, and they loved to spread that joy to everyone they met.” 

5) What would you tell someone who might be considering going into the disability services field? 

“The advice I would give to anyone contemplating working in the disability service field is there is a factor of getting more than you give.  You don’t realize at first the impact they can have on your outlook and well-being. Although I don’t work directly with them each day, I believe each of us has a very important role in completing the process that has obviously worked for Rise’s mission for over 55 years. Rise has been doing something right for all these years!” 

6) Anything else you want to share? 

“Rise has been a great place for me to work and the only thing I can say is I wish I had found a career with Rise many, many years before they found me!”